UNIT 2 New Directions in Government and Society 2000 B.C.–A.D. 700 The Athenian Acropolis This painting was created by the German architect and artist Leo von Klenze (1784–1864) in 1846. The fifth century b.c. was a golden age for the Greek city-state of Athens. One of the enduring symbols of the age is the Acropolis. Reconstructed under the leadership of the great Athenian states- man Pericles, it represents a time when Athens had assumed a leading role on the Greek peninsula. Klenze’s painting, though made in the 19th century, gives us some sense of how the Acropolis may have looked dur- ing the Age of Pericles. Above a gathering of Athenian citizens in the foreground, we see many of the Acropolis’s most impor- tant structures. At the top of the stairs is the great six-columned entrance to the Acropolis’s sacred precincts, known as the Propylaea. Looming over the Propylaea on the left is the enormous bronze statue of Athena Promachos (“foremost in battle”)—said to have been visible from several miles out to sea. To the right is the crown jewel of the Acropolis, the temple of Athena Parthenos (“virgin”), or simply, the Parthenon. The architectural achievements of Periclean Athens inspired the Greek writer Plutarch to describe the great buildings of the Acropolis: “Each of them is always in bloom, maintaining its appearance as though untouched 118 by time, as though an evergreen breath and undecaying spirit had been mixed in its construction.” 118 Unit 2 UNIT 2 Previewing the Unit This unit begins with the great civiliza- tions of Greece and Rome. The Greeks and Romans set standards in the arts, philosophy, and government that This painting of Athens shows why the profoundly affect later civilizations. Greeks called the main district of government and religious buildings an Power and Authority In shaping a new acropolis, meaning city at the top. Such kind of society, Greece creates the idea of buildings were constructed in the highest, most easily defended part of the city. democracy, or government by the people. The Romans develop the republic, a form of government in which citizens choose their leaders. Cultural Interaction Meanwhile, both India and China establish powerful dynas- ties and develop vibrant cultures. The Mauryan and Gupta empires temporarily unify India, and through trade, Indian cul- ture spreads to much of Asia. China is unified under the Han dynasty, which rules for 400 years. In East and West Africa, diverse cultures grow as people adapt to the continent’s varied environments. Trade and mass migrations to the south play an important role in the early history of Africa. The first civilizations in the Americas emerge in Mexico and Peru and strongly influence those that follow. Comparing & Contrasting Classical Ages In Unit 2, you will learn that Greece had a classical age, a time of Tell students that the unit feature on great cultural achievement that left an enduring legacy. At the end pages 252–257 will help them compare of the unit, you will have a chance to compare and contrast Greece’s classical age with several others. (See pages 252–257.) societies that went through classical ages. Encourage students to use the time lines, maps, charts, primary and secondary sources, and images to examine the 119 cultural achievements of the societies in Unit 2. Teacher’s Edition 119 CHAPTER sINTRODUCTION CHAPTER Ancient Rome and Early Introducing the s0OINTOUTTHAT2OMESFAVORABLELOCATION Christianity, 500 B.C.-A.D. 500 near the Mediterranean Sea contributed to its rise. s4ELLSTUDENTSTHATECONOMIC MILITARY political, and social problems contributed to the empire’s decline. Essential Question Previewing Themes s%XPLAINTHATTHE2OMAN%MPIREHADA What impact did the rise and fall of POWER AND AUTHORITY Rome began as a republic, a government profound influence on the culture of the Roman Empire have on culture, government, and religion? in which elected officials represent the people. Eventually, absolute Europe and the United States. rulers called emperors seized power and expanded the empire. What You Will Learn Geography About how many miles did the Roman Empire stretch from east to west? Previewing Themes In this chapter you will trace the rise, fall, and impact of the Roman Empire and the EMPIRE BUILDING At its height, the Roman Empire touched three spread of Christianity. Urge students to look for connections continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa. For several centuries, Rome between the three main ideas. For SECTION 1 The Roman Republic brought peace and prosperity to its empire before its eventual The early Romans established collapse. example, point out that Rome’s rise to an a republic, which grew powerful and spread its influence. Geography Why was the Mediterranean Sea important to the empire led to the spread of Christianity. Roman Empire? Emphasize the universality of human SECTION 2 The Roman Empire The creation of the Roman desires for power and authority, as well Empire transformed Roman government, RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL SYSTEMS Out of Judea rose a as for a spiritual connection. society, economy, and culture. monotheistic, or single-god, religion known as Christianity. Based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it soon spread throughout Rome SECTION 3 The Rise of Christianity Accessing Prior Knowledge Christianity arose in Roman- and beyond. occupied Judea and spread throughout Geography What geographic features might have helped or Ask students to list any ancient Romans the Empire. hindered the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire? that they can name (Possible Answers: SECTION 4 The Fall of the Roman Empire Julius Caesar, Mark Antony) and discuss Internal problems and what they already know about them. Tell invasions spurred the division and decline of the Roman Empire. them that Christianity comes from the SECTION 5 Rome and the Roots of Greek word christos, meaning “messiah” Western Civilization or “savior.” The Romans developed many ideas and institutions that became Geography Answers fundamental to Western civilization. POWER AND AUTHORITY The Roman Empire stretched about 3,500 miles from east to west. EMPIRE BUILDING The Mediterranean Sea gave Rome access to the oceans for trade, conquest, and communication. RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL SYSTEMS They had to control borders, protect distant territories, rule different cultures and peoples, and manage trade and commerce. 152 TIME LINE DISCUSSION Explain that the period of 500 b.c. to a.d. 500 3. In what year was Italy invaded during the 6. After Diocletian became emperor of Rome, saw the rise and fall of an entire empire. The Punic Wars? (Italy was invaded in 218 b.c.) how long did the Western Roman Empire time line highlights some key events in 4. What events happened in the world around survive? (It survived 192 years.) this journey. the time of the Punic Wars? (Empires were 1. When did Rome become a republic? (Rome founded in India and China.) became a republic in 509 b.c.) 5. Notice the long time span between the 2. How many years passed between the start of second Punic War and Octavian’s defeat of the first and second Punic Wars? (46) What Antony and Cleopatra. What might this quiet can you infer about the outcome of the first time suggest about events in Rome during this Punic War? (It was unresolved.) period? (Rome was in a stable condition dur- ing this period.) 152 Chapter 6 CHAPTERCHAPTER 60 History from Visuals Interpreting the Map Ask students to locate Rome and other "ODJFOU3PNF cities on the map. 5IF.PCJMF4PDJFUZ Which cities have place names that are familiar or still in use today? (Athens, Damascus, and Alexandria) Ask students to describe the territory called the “Roman World” in terms of the oceans and continents it touches. Then ask students to suggest two or three ways geographical location affected the development of Rome. (The Roman World stretched from the northern shore of Africa through most of Europe and into western Asia. It surrounded the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Rome’s location on the Mediterranean gave it access to many nations and to the oceans for trade). Extension Ask students to note the spread of the Roman Empire along the northern coast of Africa. Then have them turn to the political map of Africa in the textbook atlas. What modern African nations now appear in these lands? (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt) 153 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Books for the Teacher Books for the Student Videos Amker, Charlotte, ed. Rome: Echoes of Imperial Ancient Rome. Ancient Rome. VHS and DVD. Films for the Glory. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1994. Holt McDougal Nextext. Humanities & Sciences, 1996. 800-257-5126. Ferrill, Arthur. The Fall of the Roman Empire. Rome’s major historical Three-dimensional re-creations allow students to London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd, 1986. figures, events, and places see Rome as it was before the empire collapsed. Excellent description of the Roman army. are highlighted in this col- Roman City. VHS. PBS Video, 1994. Kamm, Antony. The Romans. London and New lection of stories, primary 800-344-3337. Life in the frontier territory York: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1995. Overview sources, and visuals. of Gaul. of the Roman civilization. Adkins, Lesley, and Roy A. The Emperor’s Gift: Rome’s Colosseum. VHS Adkins. Handbook to Life and DVD. Films for the Humanities & Sciences. cptn in Ancient Rome. New York, Oxford UP, 1999. 800-257-5126. The engineering, architecture, and civic function of the Colosseum. Teacher’s Edition 153 CHAPTER s).4%2!#4 What makes a successful leader? You are a member of the senate in ancient Rome. Soon you must decide whether to support or oppose a powerful leader who wants to become ruler.